So weary of Chronic pain

I'm one of the lucky ones. I have psoriatic arthritis, but so far I've never had psoriasis. I was diagnosed in 2015, but I'm sure I had it years before my official diagnosis. I wish that was my only health issue, but PsA is only the beginning!

The misconceptions of psoriatic arthritis

People think arthritis is an old person's disease and that there is only one kind of arthritis which is false! My disease is not well understood except by my husband and daughter who is my caretaker. I've learned to smile and act like I feel fine when in reality, PsA is a battle fraught with constant chronic pain every day.

It's a battle I'll never win! I'm not going to give in though, at least not without a fight! I am not PsA. I am who I am, even though I feel this disease has robbed me of being able to do so many things I love like simply going for a walk or hike in the beautiful mountains close by in my Idahome.

Adjustments to make it easier for life with chronic pain

I recently purchased a mobility scooter so I can get out in the fresh my air and ride down my country road or take it to a craft fair or to a park with my grandsons. It has given me a sense of getting a part of myself back that I lost due to PsA, foot problems, and other frustrating heath challenges.

I don't beat myself up anymore for not being able to do things I used to. I've let go and let God. It's okay if I don't have a perfectly tidy and clean home. It's okay if something I wanted to accomplish today gets put off for another day when I can move better with less joint pain. It's okay to rest, sleep, and take care of myself!

It's good I take time twice a week to go to physical therapy and work out in a swimming pool! It's as good for my mental health as it is for my physical body! The warm water makes my body and soul happy! Riding my scooter and watching the clouds drift by us is one of life's little pleasures. Reading in my denim blue recliner in the living room and letting the sun shine on me feels wonderful. Sitting in my chair by the Christmas tree helps me feel my Savior's Love!

PsA will not define me

I will not let this awful disease define my life! It is so debilitating and challenging to do simple things like climbing all the stairs in my home. This chronic pain and PsA has been a good teacher to help me be more patient with others who also suffer with diseases like diabetes or cancer. I would not want to trade their health challenges for mine! Still, it is what it is!

I've tried a lot of prescription meds for my arthritis, biologics like Enbrel & Humira. They helped only for a brief time! I'm still hoping to find a remedy that puts me in remission or at the very least significantly less chronic pain. That would truly feel wonderful to have very little joint pain, achey tingling legs and feet. I feel so overwhelmed by PsA and other health issues I'm bombarded with almost every day!

This is a hard disease with no cure! It feels never-ending! It hurts, it's so frustrating! Some days it's all I can do just to get through my day! I still have hope tomorrow will be better!